Malen: Happy with form but could have scored more; title race still has many matches to play

Midfielder Rodrigo Mora spoke ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Lecce on matchday two, reflecting on his early adaptation to the club and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical instructions. Mora said the training sessions were demanding at first but that results are already showing. When asked what Gasperini has emphasized in recent weeks, Mora explained: "He asks me to open up, to play vertically, to play frontally and vertically as a first option." Mora acknowledged he has not yet had time to explore Rome properly, saying he is still completing his move. He expressed hope to meet Francesco Totti soon, noting that the club legend "was an idol for an entire generation." On his own performances, Mora said he was very pleased with both matches, describing the midfield position as one in which he finds himself "perfectly comfortable and settling in well." He added that his second appearance saw him play only the second half, following an impressive debut a week earlier.

Gian Piero Gasperini expressed satisfaction with Roma's start to the season after a 4–0 victory over Lecce, telling Sky Sport that the squad has been substantially strengthened and now possesses the depth to maintain performance even when key players are unavailable. "The squad's condition is spectacular," Gasperini said. "It was evident we had top-level players. It was important to put players of equal strength alongside them. This is an extraordinary group in terms of values, who give everything and are attached to Roma. The team plays with passion, a fundamental aspect." Gasperini highlighted the continuity Roma achieved from last season's third-place finish in Serie A, which gave the group confidence and familiarity. "Compared to last year we have greater understanding," he explained. "We played a season together and did so in a crescendo, in confidence in finding the way to score. These are advantages for the second year. We are stronger and more solid mentally. We approach every match. This is a group of very healthy lads, with values." He emphasised that the recent departures and injuries have not dented the team's ambition: when Evan N'Dicka became unavailable during the warm-up before the Lecce match, the squad did not drop its level. On individual performances, Gasperini drew a comparison between Donyell Malen and Gonzalo Higuaín. "It can stand. Perhaps Malen has less stature. But for control, acceleration, and shooting, it's a comparison that fits," he said. He also praised Paulo Dybala's continuity and Matías Soulé's display, noting that Rodrigo Mora had scored his first goal for the club. Gasperini confirmed that Marten de Roon has arrived to bolster the midfield, and that Santiago Castro and Rodrigo provide attacking solutions. He expressed hope that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch would soon be available to add further options. The manager reflected on his previous experience of leading strong forwards, including Milito at Genoa: "Malen has the ability to control, shoot and accelerate over a few metres that burns you. We made a fine gamble and I'd say it's working well." When asked about the transfer market closing on 1 September, Gasperini said: "I don't know anything, I haven't spoken to D'Amico, I need to call him." On the title race, he tempered expectations: "Inter have a straight stretch of advantage, then there are squads equipping themselves notably, even more than us in some respects, including Como, no longer to be considered a surprise, and then the usual big teams. We must look at our own road and path."

Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact at Roma, starting in one match and scoring from the bench in another, and has now spoken publicly about his early experience at the club. The Portuguese midfielder praised head coach Gasperini's influence on his arrival and his admiration for his new teammates, particularly Paulo Dybala. "It's a dream to play with Dybala, I followed him since I was a child," Mora said in a television interview after Roma's victory over Lecce. "I even tried to set up an assist for him—it's wonderful to play with players of that calibre. And with Malen too, who scored 5 goals in 2 matches." Mora revealed that Gasperini played a central role in his decision to join Roma. "He was one of the reasons I came here, he was decisive in my choice," the midfielder explained. "He wanted a player with my characteristics." On adapting to the Italian side's demands, Mora acknowledged the physical intensity of training under Gasperini but said the results are evident. "At first the training sessions were tough, it took me time to get used to them. But the results show—the team plays with intensity and rhythm," he said. "I've benefited from playing in a position where I'm comfortable." Gasperini has been particular in his coaching, Mora noted. "He corrects me often when I receive the ball, asking me to open up and take on my opponent, not to receive with my back turned. Then to play vertical passes and to play as a first option going forward." Mora, who described his previous season as not going as planned, said he is now content with his performances. "I'm happy with both matches," he stated. "I wanted to start with a goal, and it was a dream to begin this way. I want to keep going like this." On settling into Rome itself, Mora said he has not yet had time to explore the city, still in the process of moving. However, he expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon. "I hope to get to know Totti, I hope it happens soon. He was an idol for an entire generation," Mora said.

Roma defeated Lecce 4-0 in Serie A's second matchday, extending their perfect start to the season with a dominant display. Donyell Malen scored twice in the opening 23 minutes, capitalising on defensive lapses from the hosts to put the contest beyond doubt early on. Matías Soulé added a third before half-time, while Rodrigo Mora completed the rout in the second half with his first Serie A goal. The victory follows Roma's 4-0 win over Fiorentina in their opening fixture. Gasperini's side now sit level on points with Inter, Juventus, Milan and Lazio at the top of the table with perfect records, but lead the standings on goal difference with 8 goals scored and none conceded. Malen has now signed five goals across the opening two league matches. The midfielder's contribution has been central to Roma's attacking prowess in these opening fixtures, with the attacking unit functioning at a high level across both matches.

Rodrigo Mora scored his first Roma goal in the second half of the 2–1 victory at Lecce on matchday two, and spoke to journalists after the final whistle about the significance of the moment and his early impression of the club. "I want to continue like this. Starting this way was my dream. I'm very happy," Mora said of his debut strike. He expressed particular emotion at sharing the pitch with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. "It's a dream for me to play with Dybala—I followed him since I was a child. I tried to give him an assist. For me it's marvellous to play with a champion like him and Malen." Mora credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with engineering his arrival: "For me the manager was decisive. He wanted a player with my characteristics. I want to continue with him." The midfielder acknowledged the physical demands of Gasperini's methods. "At first the training sessions were very hard, it cost me a bit to adapt, but the results are already showing," he said, adding that Gasperini frequently corrects his decision-making on the ball: "He corrects me often when I receive the ball—to open up, to take on the opponent, to play face-on, vertically." Mora is still in the process of settling into Rome. "I've had little time so far to visit such a special city. I had special treatment from the Porto fans and I'm getting the same from Roma fans," he said. He expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon: "I haven't yet had the chance to get to know the city—I'm still finishing my move. I hope to meet Totti soon. He was an idol for an entire generation."

Gian Piero Gasperini expressed satisfaction with Roma's start to the season after a 4–0 victory over Lecce, telling Sky Sport that the squad has been substantially strengthened and now possesses the depth to maintain performance even when key players are unavailable. "The squad's condition is spectacular," Gasperini said. "It was evident we had top-level players. It was important to put players of equal strength alongside them. This is an extraordinary group in terms of values, who give everything and are attached to Roma. The team plays with passion, a fundamental aspect." Gasperini highlighted the continuity Roma achieved from last season's third-place finish in Serie A, which gave the group confidence and familiarity. "Compared to last year we have greater understanding," he explained. "We played a season together and did so in a crescendo, in confidence in finding the way to score. These are advantages for the second year. We are stronger and more solid mentally. We approach every match. This is a group of very healthy lads, with values." He emphasised that the recent departures and injuries have not dented the team's ambition: when Evan N'Dicka became unavailable during the warm-up before the Lecce match, the squad did not drop its level. On individual performances, Gasperini drew a comparison between Donyell Malen and Gonzalo Higuaín. "It can stand. Perhaps Malen has less stature. But for control, acceleration, and shooting, it's a comparison that fits," he said. He also praised Paulo Dybala's continuity and Matías Soulé's display, noting that Rodrigo Mora had scored his first goal for the club. Gasperini confirmed that Marten de Roon has arrived to bolster the midfield, and that Santiago Castro and Rodrigo provide attacking solutions. He expressed hope that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch would soon be available to add further options. The manager reflected on his previous experience of leading strong forwards, including Milito at Genoa: "Malen has the ability to control, shoot and accelerate over a few metres that burns you. We made a fine gamble and I'd say it's working well." When asked about the transfer market closing on 1 September, Gasperini said: "I don't know anything, I haven't spoken to D'Amico, I need to call him." On the title race, he tempered expectations: "Inter have a straight stretch of advantage, then there are squads equipping themselves notably, even more than us in some respects, including Como, no longer to be considered a surprise, and then the usual big teams. We must look at our own road and path."

Emanuele Lulli spoke to journalists after Roma's match against Lecce in the second round of the Serie A season at the Via del Mare stadium. The 19-year-old class of 2007 reflected on his breakthrough moment with the club, crediting his teammates and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for their support. Lulli expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at Roma, acknowledging the significant moment in his career. He highlighted the immediate impact of his teammates' guidance and the manager's faith in him. The defender also praised Paulo Dybala, saying: "It's very easy playing with Dybala. He always gives me the ball at the right moment, gives me advice, pushes me to go at the opponent. I'm grateful!" Reflecting on his recent weeks, Lulli recalled his time at Fiorentina: "At first I didn't believe it. With Fiorentina I was living a dream – I was completely in my comfort zone. But after the first training sessions I put myself out there and said this is only the beginning. I have a lot to improve, but I'm happy and I thank the squad and the manager for their trust." He concluded with an optimistic outlook: "I've been working for this my whole life. I'm finally fulfilling my dream. I have to thank my teammates who give me advice and the manager who trusts me. I'm certain this is only the beginning of the dream!"

Donyell Malen spoke to reporters after Roma's match at Lecce in the second matchday of the Serie A season at the Stadio Via del Mare. The forward acknowledged he could have scored more: "Today I could have scored a few more goals, I'm a bit disappointed about that," he said, despite his impressive record of 19 goals in 20 matches. "I'm very proud, but every match is its own story and I have to say I'm playing well," Malen added when asked about his performances. When asked about the Scudetto, Malen urged caution. "It's still too early to talk about it…there are too many matches left," he explained. However, he acknowledged the team's ambitions: "Everyone is allowed to dream. But we go match after match." Malen also praised teammates, saying of Emanuele Lulli: "He's a fantastic player, we're proud of him. It's fun and pleasant to have him as a teammate."

Emanuele Lulli delivered another commanding display in his second consecutive start as Roma thrashed Lecce 4–0, with the 19-year-old operating across the right and left flank for the full 90 minutes. The class of 2007 prospect has become a standout performer in the early weeks of the season, earning repeated backing from head coach Giampiero Gasperini. After the match, Lulli reflected on his rapid rise from the fringes of the squad. "It's what I've worked for my whole life, and I'm finally achieving my dream," he told Sky Sport. "I have to thank my teammates for helping me from minute one with advice, and the coach for his trust. I'm living a dream, but I'm certain it's only the beginning." He credited Paulo Dybala's influence directly: "Yes, it's very easy to play with Dybala. He always gives me the ball at the right moment, gives me advice, pushes me to use my personality and drive forward. I'm grateful to play with him." Speaking to DAZN, Lulli acknowledged the whirlwind trajectory since his earlier loan at Fiorentina. "I didn't even believe it myself. After Fiorentina I was living a dream, keeping to myself. After the first training sessions I concentrated and told myself this is only the beginning. I've kept working—I have plenty to improve on. I thank the squad who always help me and Gasperini for always backing me." On his mentors within the squad, he singled out two: "Obviously Donyell Malen and Paulo, who always give me the right advice, push me to drive forward and show my offensive qualities. They're all champions—I steal knowledge with my eyes every day."